Pelican Stars Football Club have completed a remarkable return to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership after defeating DreamStar Ladies FC 1-0 in a thrilling 2026 NWFL Championship Playoff final at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar. A dramatic stoppage-time winner from Blessing Ayila sealed promotion for the Calabar-based side, ending years away from the top flight and restoring one of Nigeria’s most successful women’s clubs to the elite division.
The week-long championship, held in Calabar from July 11 to 16, featured 16 clubs battling for just two promotion tickets. Backed by their home supporters, Pelican Stars rose to the occasion with a flawless campaign, winning every match on their way to the Premiership.
The hosts made a bright start with a 2-1 victory over Ikukuoma Queens as Amarachi Abel opened the scoring before Ewa Peace doubled the lead early in the second half. Although Ikukuoma Queens pulled one back, Pelican Stars held on to secure all three points.
They built on that momentum with an impressive 2-0 victory over Gallant Queens. Captain Onu Oguchukwu curled home a superb direct free-kick before sustained pressure from Pelican Stars forced an own goal following a dangerous delivery from Ewa Peace.
Needing one more victory to seal qualification, Pelican Stars edged Moje Queens 1-0, with the in-form Ewa Peace scoring the decisive goal to complete a perfect group stage of three wins from three matches and nine points.
The playoff final against DreamStar Ladies lived up to expectations as both sides battled relentlessly in a tense and evenly contested encounter. With the match seemingly heading beyond regulation time, Blessing Ayila struck deep into stoppage time to spark wild celebrations and confirm Pelican Stars’ return to the NWFL Premiership.
In the other promotion playoff, Imo Strikers Queens also secured a place in the top flight after defeating Rangers Women FC 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw.
Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Mr. Etta Lawrence Itanya, congratulated the team for their outstanding achievement, describing the promotion as a proud moment for Cross River State. He commended the players, coaches and management for their resilience and dedication throughout the competition.
Itanya also expressed appreciation to Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and the First Lady, Bishop Dr. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for their unwavering support for sports development in the state, noting that their commitment has continued to inspire athletes to excel.
Chairman of Pelican Stars FC, Mrs. Sefia Francis Aribiah, attributed the promotion to hard work, discipline and teamwork. She thanked Governor Otu, the First Lady, the Sports Commission, the technical crew, club management, supporters and fans for their steadfast support throughout the campaign.
Members of the club’s technical crew and management equally hailed the collective effort that powered the team’s return to the top flight, expressing confidence that Pelican Stars are ready to compete once again among Nigeria’s elite women’s football clubs and reclaim their place as one of the country’s dominant forces.
By Akong Ogar
